Abstract

The process of post-conflict reconstruction in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) faces a number of key challenges, the most significant being the rise of dissident armed groups after the official end of the conflict in 2003, especially in North and South Kivu. These groups have continually resisted the demilitarisation process, thereby undermining the efforts of the Congolese government and the international community. The purpose of this paper is to critically analyse the character of these groups by focusing on their motivations, organisational structure and the local context in which they operate. An examination of demilitarisation activities in the eastern DRC will be provided. Finally, an examination of policy recommendations (which include an effective security sector reform strategy, providing financial support to the integrated army, improving the reintegration element of the demilitarisation programme, and involving the overall socio-economic conditions of the region) will also be provided.